BJP leaders hit back with strong remarks at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi after he said at a poll rally in Bihar that PM Narendra Modi could do anything for votes, including doing “drama” for Chhath Puja and “dance” if asked.
Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta, who's been campaigning in the state, said, "The derogatory remarks reflect Rahul Gandhi's political bankruptcy. This proves that the Congress has no agenda for Bihar, and therefore, they are compelled to resort to personal accusations for cheap popularity," in a post on X.
Speaking to reporters, she also said, “These leaders of the Mahagathbandhan are all like thieves, who can do anything, insult anyone, just for votes. But Biharis understand this. Biharis may be innocent, but they are not foolish.”
She also accused the Congress leader of "political immaturity" and said he had insulted “the faith of millions of Chhath devotees”.
Rahul Gandhi, campaigning in Darbhanga, had said that the BJP staged a "drama" and built a separate pond for PM Modi to take a dip in during Chhath Puja in Delhi. Modi did not go for a dip after the AAP made started these allegations.
"PM Modi said that he will bathe in the Yamuna for Chhath. The Yamuna has dirty water. If someone drank it, they would either get sick or die... But Modi staged a drama. He built a small pond there. They will show you anything for elections. A pipe is installed from behind. Clean water is poured into it. The problem arose that someone took a photo of the pipe," Gandhi said.
Rahul Gandhi’s sharp swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi—dubbed the “pond drama” during a Chhath Puja rally in Bihar—has triggered a fierce BJP backlash with leaders accusing Gandhi of political bankruptcy and disrespecting both a sacred festival and Bihar’s electorate. The exchange has injected further volatility into the high-stakes Bihar Assembly election campaign.hindustantimes+2
Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Pond Drama’ Dig
At rallies in Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga, Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP and PM Modi of staging theatrics around Chhath Puja, alleging that a special pond was built for Modi’s ritual dip and clean water was pumped in for a photo opportunity. Gandhi quipped, “If you tell Modi to dance, he will. BJP will show you anything for elections. There was a pipe installed… clean water came… it’s all drama for votes.” He also invoked the “vote chori” (vote theft) allegation and criticized the BJP’s governance in Bihar.timesofindia.indiatimes+3
BJP’s Blistering Response
BJP leaders were quick to respond, framing Gandhi’s remarks as an insult not only to Modi but to the entire state of Bihar and devotees of Chhath. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta called Gandhi’s comments a sign of “political bankruptcy,” emphasizing that Biharis “may be innocent, but are not fools.” She accused the Congress of resorting to personal jibes due to a lack of a real agenda for Bihar. Union Minister Giriraj Singh further hit back, ridiculing Rahul Gandhi by saying, “the habit of dancing runs in his family,” and questioned his understanding of Sanatan traditions and Hindu faith, which Chhath Puja embodies.english.mathrubhumi+4
Other BJP leaders suggested that Gandhi’s criticisms stem from fear of electoral defeat. They insist that under Modi, cleanliness and facilities at the Yamuna ghats have improved markedly, turning the pejorative narrative on its head. BJP spokespersons also accused Gandhi of echoing the tone of India’s adversaries and disrespecting the cultural identity of Bihar.aninews+1
Political and Social Context
This fiery exchange underscores the polarized nature of the Bihar elections, with the BJP–JD(U) alliance pointing to “Mahagathbandhan’s” (Congress-RJD and allies) lack of focus and legacy of poor governance. Some political observers suggest that Gandhi’s “Chhath and pond” attack may have gifted the NDA a rallying point, turning focus back to identity and devotion at a crucial campaign moment.amarujala+3
With voting imminent, such public spats highlight the emotive and combative strategies now central to both camps. For Bihar’s voters, the rhetoric serves as a stark reminder of the cultural and political stakes each side is betting .
